There are exploited women in every city in the world.
In 2006 a small group of friends began to reach out to the ones who live in our city. We began going into the the streets to visit the girls in the shops. Week after week we continue spending time chatting with them, taking them out for coffee, throwing birthday parties, and even giving English lessons. We have seen their doubts diminish and friendship begin to grow in its place.
Over time, some of the girls have come to trust us enough to leave their old life and come into our shelter. Our shelter is not meant to be a permanent residence. Our desire is to see the girls transformed through a loving community. The women in our shelter receive regular counseling where they begin to heal from their past hurts.We provide for them work as alternative means of support, medical checks and consultation, as well as vocational classes to prepare them for the future.
The Starfish Project is dedicated to helping exploited women by...
Building Relationships
Our volunteers regularly go into the streets and develop relationships with at-risk women. We spend time getting to know them on a regular basis.
Providing Medical Check-Ups and Training on Heath Issues
We regularly take girls to local hospitals and cover the cost of their medical treatment. We also hold events where we teach about health issues.
Providing Shelter
After months of building relationships, some of these women came to trust us enough to leave life on the streets and come into our shelter. The women that live there are learning a new way of life in community. They become for each other a family which requires them to learn communication skills and strategies for healthy conflict resolution. They also discover that they each have unique talents and gifts, which they are encouraged to explore through practice and additional training. Our shelter is run by several house moms who are committed to day in and day out life with the women.
Providing New Employment
In 2007 we opened a jewelry business to provide an alternate source of income for the women in our shelter. By participating in various aspects of jewelry making and distribution, they earn a salary that keeps them off the street and in wholesome, life-giving relationships. 100% of our proceeds go to help support the women who made the jewelry.
Providing Vocational Training
Each of the women in our shelter has the opportunity to attend vocational school where they can be trained for the future and pursue their dreams.
Counseling
The women in our shelter receive regular counseling. They participate in group sessions where they begin to heal from their past hurts and learn tools for their future life. They also have the option for one-on-one sessions.